The new InovIA - Vouchers for Innovation program, launched by FCCN, the digital services unit of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), aims to be another step towards democratizing access to supercomputing and artificial intelligence. Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to apply to use advanced computing resources to innovate.
On June 6, at 2 p.m., AIHub in Lisbon will host the presentation session of the program InovIA - Vouchers for Innovationan initiative that aims to support startups and SMEs with free access to advanced computing resources. Participation is free, subject to prior registration. registration is still available.
O InovIA consists of applying for free vouchers so that companies can test and develop pilot projects with the support of resources at Deucalion, a supercomputer funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and MareNostrum 5, two of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe.
These vouchers are also an incentive for companies to access the new AI Factory in Barcelona, where Portugal is participating alongside Spain, Turkey and Romania.
What are the advantages of InovIA?
With an agile application process, the InovIA aims to help mitigate the barriers that Portuguese startups and small and medium-sized enterprises may have in accessing cutting-edge technology, without bureaucracy or high costs.
Innovation requires experimentation and access to the best tools. However, many startups and SMEs face challenges integrating advanced computing and AI into their processes, either due to a lack of technical expertise or high infrastructure costs.
O InovIA is an attempt to guarantee easy access to high-performance computing resources, but also specialized technical support, enabling any company, regardless of its level of expertise, to test, validate and scale innovative solutions in the pre-commercial phase.
The aim of this program is based on FCT's desire to provide the conditions for advanced computing to be an engine of growth for the Portuguese business ecosystem, by creating opportunities for national companies to explore the potential of HPC and artificial intelligence in an agile and accessible way.
Who is it intended for?
Any public or private entity can apply, as long as the funds are used to develop innovative solutions at a non-commercial stage. In addition, the program has a strong focus on supporting startups and SMEs, encouraging the creation of new products, process optimization and experimentation with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
How does InovIA work?
O InovIA offers 25 pre-approved vouchers, which guarantee companies free access to computing time. For each access , 50,000 CPU core.hours, 1,000 GPU.hours, 1 TB of storage and an initial duration of 6 months are provided, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.
The application process is simplified and involves filling in an online form (PT/EN), validating the request and carrying out a prior technical assessment. The voucher will then be issued and an account created on the supercomputer most suited to the application submitted: Deucalion or MareNostrum 5.
The selection criteria are simple and transparent: applications are analyzed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to national startups and SMEs. Selected projects must start using the funds within three months of approval.
With an estimated total value of €70,000 in computing resources, the InovIA represents a unique opportunity for companies that want to enter the world of supercomputing without risk and without additional costs.
Applications are now open and more information and access to the form is available online.
